(Weymouth, MA) November, 17 2003... With nearly 35 million digital cameras installed in North America, and around 70 million worldwide, the digital imaging industry is poised for tremendous growth in 2004.  In fact, InfoTrends Research Group expects that digital cameras will outsell film cameras in units and revenue worldwide in 2004, and the exploding camera phone market adds even more capture devices.  With all this momentum, vendors are moving with lightening speed. 

To showcase these digital imaging products, CES and InfoTrends created “Flash Forward,” a special exhibit area on the show floor at the 2004 International CES, taking place January 8-11 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Within this area, InfoTrends and CES will host an “ImageScape” press lunch and preview of the exhibits prior to the opening of the show.  ImageScape is scheduled for Wednesday, January 7, from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM in the “Flash Forward” TechZone of the South Hall, Las Vegas Convention Center.  

"Flash Forward and ImageScape together are designed to generate excitement and educate both retailers and press regarding the digital photo space," said Kristy Holch, Group Director for InfoTrends Research Group. "Vendor exhibits will create a walk-through microcosm of the digital imaging ecosystem.  Visitors can see in one place the various elements of digital imaging, from capture, to software, printing at home and retail and online, storing, sharing, and the various components and accessories supporting the digital photography and video market.  With all these pieces of the market assembled in one place, and leading brands shown together, attendees can instantly grasp why this market is so hot.”

"The major players in digital imaging will be at CES, and the Flash Forward TechZone will help attendees learn how to sell digital imaging and take advantage of all its applications," said Karen Chupka, Vice President of Events and Conferences for CEA, the producer of CES.  "With the increased growth of digital imaging, CEA launched its own Special Interest Group for digital imaging members this fall as well."

The buzz around photo printing and camera phones will be of particular interest to press attendees.  57% of digital camera users are reporting that they print more because of digital.  But how will wireless imaging impact the industry?  InfoTrends forecasts that well over 50 million camera phones will ship worldwide by the end of 2003.  At ImageScape, press can learn more through the market overview and panel session, and browsing the exhibits and networking.

About ImageScape
ImageScape press events were initially developed in 1996 to connect press and analysts with leading vendors, digital imaging industry experts and senior executives.   Past events have attracted hundreds of members of the general and technical press.  The preliminary schedule is below: 

11:45 AM – Press arrive, enjoy lunch, browse the exhibits
12:00 PM – InfoTrends Market Overview Presentation
12:10 PM – Panel discussion
12:35 PM – Additional exhibit browsing
2:00 PM –   ImageScape event closes